Scottish Parliament election candidate for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, is backing the SNP’s plans to deliver a green transport revolution which aims to help Scotland meet its net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases target by 2045.
The SNP’s manifesto commitments include a raft of measures to improve Scotland’s public transport system including commitments to;
Remove most fossil fuel buses from public transport by 2023 and invest £120 million in zero emission buses
Phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars or vans by 2030;
Bring Scotrail into public hands from next year and create greener, more affordable rail travel
Work with regional transport partnerships to reinstate or develop new railway branch lines across rural Scotland and commuter lines in urban areas
Provide free bikes for all school age children who cannot afford them.
SNP candidate Natalie Don has welcomed this announcement and the positive impacts this could have on local people across Renfrewshire North & West stating;
“Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen a huge increase in cycling and walking across Renfrewshire North & West as people felt safer using much quieter local roads, but not everyone could take up such opportunities due to the cost of bikes being out of reach.
“I want a Scotland where everyone can benefit from outdoor activities, enjoying getting fitter in a cleaner environment and having the option of owning and using a bike on our local streets, cycle paths and around our beautiful countryside.
“The SNP is committed to spending 10% of the transport capital budget on walking, cycling and wheeling by the end of the next parliament; investing over £500 million to improve bus infrastructure and tackle congestion; making loans and grants available for everybody to purchase or repair pedal cycles; and ensuring every child leaves school able to cycle safely.
“If elected, I will work with SNP colleagues to implement a green transport revolution to reduce transport poverty, increase access to high quality, separated walking and cycling networks enabling safe daily commutes and minimising private motor vehicle dependence.
“I will also work to deliver better local bus services and explore opportunities to re-introduce rail infrastructure to improve much-needed cost effective and reliable public transport options for people living throughout the constituency – including in Renfrew, Erskine and our commuter villages such as Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm.”
